An assault suspect was arrested after he allegedly punctured several holes into an unwanted semi-truck parked on his property last month with the use of a forklift. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 31, deputies responded to the 30500 block of The Old Road in Castaic regarding a call for service after a suspect allegedly damaged a truck with a forklift, said Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.  

“During investigation, deputies learned the victim parked his semi-truck on an open lot when he was approached by the suspect who parked his vehicle in front of him,” Arriaga said. 

The suspect approached the victim and told him to move his truck off the property, according to Sheriff’s officials.  

“The suspect left, only to return a short period later in a forklift and began to cause damage to the semi-truck by puncturing the forks into the semi-truck repeatedly,” Arriaga said. “The suspect then left the location, out of view.” 

Deputies conducted a search of the area, however were unable to locate the suspect, according to Arriaga.  

“The suspect remained outstanding at the time the report was taken,” Arriaga said.  

Damages to the semi-truck were believed to be in excess of $1,000. 

Through investigation work, deputies were able to identify the suspect and take him into custody on Tuesday. 

Paul Eich, 65, from Castaic was arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon, a forklift, and vandalism, Arriaga added. 

Eich was arrested and transported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station with bail set at $30,000, according to arrest records.   

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